Power pedestal with breakaway pedestal base

ABSTRACT

A power pedestal for electrical outlets is mountable to a mounting surface by means of a pedestal base. The pedestal base incorporates at least one stress relief feature that will allow the power pedestal to break away from the pedestal base in response to an external force acting on the power pedestal so as to induce stresses in the pedestal base exceeding a predetermined breaking point. The power pedestal may then be remounted to the mounting surface using a new pedestal base replacing the broken pedestal base. Optionally, the power pedestal may be provided with protective apparatus for protecting electrical outlets installed in the power pedestal from exposure to weather. The protective apparatus may comprise an angled hood having an angled top surface, at least two side panels, and an angled bottom surface having an aperture.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to outdoor electrical outlets orreceptacles and more particularly to protective apparatus for protectingthe outlets from a wide range of weather conditions. In particular,electrical outlets provided on power pedestals are considered.

BACKGROUND

Conventional outdoor receptacles are typically protected by flip coversthat are positioned over individual receptacles or outlets, or by outletcovers with hinged doors that lift to provide access to the outlets.Such flip covers may include gaskets for weather sealing, typicallyeither on the covers themselves, or around the perimeter of the baseframe against which the flip cover will rest.

While generally functional during fair weather, prior art protectivedevices for outdoor electrical outlets or receptacles suffer from anumber of limitations. For example, in temperatures at or belowfreezing, the flip covers are often sealed by ice against the frame suchthat the flip covers cannot be lifted to access the outlet. Even if theflip covers can be lifted to plug into an outlet, ice and snow mayaccumulate while the flip cover is lifted, exposing a significant areaof the electrical outlet to accumulation of ice and snow. This mayprevent the flip cover from closing completely, as the ice and snow mayprevent clean contact between the flip cover and the base frame.Furthermore, the flip cover itself may be frozen in the open position,making it difficult or impossible to close.

In addition, over time, the weather sealing gasket on or around the flipcover may deteriorate, and no longer keep out moisture from theelectrical outlet, possibly allowing moisture to seep into theelectrical outlet and potentially causing an electrical safety problem.While use of GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) receptacles, mayhelp avoid serious electrical shocks, the electrical outlet maynevertheless become damaged from the moisture, and have to be replacedat significant cost.

Power pedestals are often used to provide outlets or receptacles foraccessing electricity outdoors, and are commonly used in applicationssuch as outdoor parking lots or driveways to recharge electric vehiclesor to power a block heater, for example. In such outdoor applications,power pedestals are often positioned in locations in which vehicles maycome into accidental contact with the power pedestals. Even a minorcollision may result in major damage to power pedestals, resulting insufficient damage requiring replacement of the housing, or the entireunit.

As well, power pedestals are often subjected to adverse weather, andmoisture trapped within or around the pedestals may damage them andcause them to fail or become unsightly prematurely.

Therefore, what is needed are improved designs for the protection ofoutdoor electrical outlets or receptacles and power pedestals thataddressing at least some of the above limitations in the prior art.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to a protective apparatus for outdoorelectrical outlets or receptacles and power pedestals subjected to awide range of weather conditions including variations in temperature,humidity, and precipitation, and various improvements thereto. Inparticular, electrical outlets provided on power pedestals areconsidered.

In an embodiment, the protective apparatus is an angled hood which hasat least one angled top surface, at least two side panels, and an angledbottom surface having an aperture suitably sized and shaped to receive apower cord from an electrical device.

In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the hood is angled andextends to a suitable horizontal distance from the wall such that thehood substantially covers and protects the electrical outlet beingcovered. It will be appreciated, however, that the angle of the topsurface of the hood, and the distance of the hood from the wall may bevaried between any suitable range.

In another embodiment, the top surface of the hood may extend to asuitable horizontal distance such the electrical outlet being covered issuitably protected from moisture, including rain and snow that may bedirected towards the outlet at an angle. Thus, the electrical outlet issuitably protected even if access to the electrical outlet alwaysremains open through the aperture in the angled bottom surface.

By adjusting the angle of the top surface of the hood, how far the hoodextends horizontally, and the size of the aperture in the angled bottomsurface, the hood may be adjusted for virtually any type and size ofelectrical outlet requiring protection.

In another aspect, the protective hood may be installed over electricaloutlets or receptacles provided on a power pedestal. The power pedestalmay be installed in outdoor areas subject to a wide range of weatherconditions including moisture in the form of rain or snow, for example.

In an embodiment, the power pedestal may comprise a mounting plateincluding a box to mount various types of outlets or receptaclestherein. The mounting plate may be configured to receive various typesof standard electrical outlets, and may be mounted in a vertical orhorizontal orientation depending on the mounting configuration. Aprotective hood may be mounted over each outlet or receptacle using anumber of different mounting means including use of fasteners,adhesives, or mechanical engagement. Preferably, the protective hoodsare removable such that the outlet may be serviced or the protectivehoods may be replaced easily if damaged.

In an embodiment, when a plurality of protective hoods are mountedvertically, each of the protective hoods may optionally be installed inan overlapping configuration such that the top edge of a protective hoodis covered by a bottom edge of a protective hood installed above. Theuppermost protective hood may have its top edge covered by a pedestallid, which at least partially overhangs the top of the pedestal on eachside. Advantageously, moisture is directed away from all of the outlets,and each pedestal above may also protect the pedestal below.

In another embodiment, each protective hood is configured such that theaperture provided on the angled bottom surface includes a flange or lipextending outwardly to direct moisture around the aperture rather thandripping from its edge. Correspondingly, a flange or lip extendinginwardly along the bottom edge of the aperture may also help directmoisture away from the edges of the aperture.

In another embodiment, each pedestal may be mounted to a pedestal basethat is configured to provide sufficient strength to support thepedestal structure including all mounted hardware, but which pedestalbase also includes one or more built-in stress relief features such thatthe pedestal will break away from the base if the pedestal isaccidentally struck, for example by a motor vehicle or trailer that isbacking up in a driveway, parking lot, or RV camp site at which thepower pedestal is installed. In this embodiment, the protective hoodsmay also be configured to be deformable, such that the protective hoodscan at least partially absorb the impact of the motor vehicle ortrailer, and can be readily replaced with another if damaged.

In another embodiment, the aperture in the protective hood is suitablylarge to provide sufficient ventilation for the one or more outletscovered by the protective hood. This allows the pedestal to dry afterheavy precipitation, without trapping moisture in any part of theprotective hood.

In another embodiment, a slight gap is provided between the powerpedestal and an interchangeable pedestal base to improve ventilation tothe cabinet, and prevents the elongate body from collecting moisture atits base around the bottom of the power pedestal.

In another embodiment, the pedestal itself may include a ventilationgrill which prevents moisture from entering the pedestal but at the sametime allows air to circulate within the pedestal cabinet. Theventilation grill may be provided on two or more sides of the pedestalin order to promote airflow through the pedestal cabinet in ordercontrol moisture.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of thevarious improvements in more detail, it is to be understood that thepresent system and method is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Thepresent system and method are capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an angled hood in accordance with anillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an angled hood and extended base inaccordance with another illustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show schematic plan views of an angled hood inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3C shows a schematic plan view of a flat sheet which may be foldedinto the angled hood of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show schematic plan views of an angled hood inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 4C shows a schematic plan view of a flat sheet which may be foldedinto the angled hood of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic plan views of an angled hood inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6H, 7A-7G, 8A-8I, 9A-9I, and 10A-10I show different sizes andconfigurations of cutout back plates in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIGS. 11A to 11C show illustrative horizontal, vertical, and combinedhorizontal and vertical device plates configured to be mounted tovarious cutout back plates to receive standard electrical outlet boxes.

FIGS. 12A-12E show various illustrative embodiments in which a pluralityof device plates are arranged vertically.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show illustrative horizontal and vertical cutout backplates for supporting multiple angled hoods in accordance withillustrative embodiments.

FIGS. 14A to 14C show an illustrative power pedestal in accordance withan embodiment.

FIGS. 15A to 15D show an alternative embodiment of a power pedestal inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show alternative embodiments of power pedestals inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show another illustrative power pedestal in accordancewith yet another embodiment.

FIGS. 18A to 18C show illustrative examples of power pedestal terminalassemblies in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show additional illustrative examples of powerpedestal terminal assemblies in accordance with various embodiments.

FIGS. 20A to 20D show another illustrative power pedestal in accordancewith still another embodiment.

FIGS. 21A-21C, 22A-22C, 23A-23C,24A-24C, 25A-25D, 26A-26D, and 27A-27Cshow isometric views and corresponding plan views of various pedestaldesigns in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a protective device for outdoorelectrical outlets or receptacles, whether provided on outdoor walls oron power pedestals, and subjected to a wide range of weather conditionsincluding variations in temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

In a first aspect, there is provided a protective device for anelectrical outlet comprising an angled hood with at least one angled topsurface, at least two side panels, and an angled bottom surface havingan aperture suitably sized and shaped to receive a power cord from anelectrical device. The aperture may also be suitably large to allowsufficient access to a person handling the electrical plug to insert orremove the plug from the outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the hood is angled, andextends to a suitable horizontal distance from the wall such that thehood substantially covers and protects the electrical outlet beingcovered. It will be appreciated, however, that the angle of the topsurface of the hood, and the distance of the hood from the wall may bevaried within any suitable range.

The top surface of the hood may extend to a suitable horizontal distancesuch the electrical outlet being covered is suitably protected frommoisture, including rain and snow that may be directed towards theoutlet at an angle. Thus, the electrical outlet is suitably protectedeven if access to the electrical outlet always remains open through theaperture in the angled bottom surface.

By adjusting the angle of the top surface of the hood, how far the hoodextends horizontally, and the size of the aperture in the angled bottomsurface, the hood may be adjusted for virtually any type and size ofelectrical outlet requiring protection.

The protective hood may be installed over electrical outlets orreceptacles provided on a power pedestal. The power pedestals may begenerally shaped as towers of different heights depending on the numberof electrical outlets provided on one or more sides of the tower.

In an embodiment, the power pedestals may comprise mounting plateincluding a box to mount various types of outlets or receptaclestherein. The mounting plate may be configured to receive various typesof standard electrical outlets, and may be mounted in a vertical orhorizontal orientation depending on the mounting configuration. Aprotective hood may be mounted over each outlet or receptacle using anumber of different mounting means including use of fasteners,adhesives, or mechanical engagement.

Preferably, the protective hoods are removable such that the outlet maybe serviced or the protective hoods may be replaced easily if damaged.

In an embodiment, when a plurality of protective hoods are mountedvertically, each of the protective hoods may optionally be installed inan overlapping configuration such that the top edge of a protective hoodis covered by a bottom edge or skirt of a protective hood installedabove. The uppermost protective hood may have its top edge covered by apedestal lid, which at least partially over hangs the top of thepedestal on each side.

In another embodiment, a plurality of protective hoods may be joined andformed as an integral piece to cover multiple outlets. This may allowmultiple protective hoods to be installed or removed together such thatmultiple outlets may be accessed for service more easily.

In another embodiment, each protective hood is configured such that theaperture provided on the angled bottom surface includes a flange or lipextending outwardly to direct moisture around the aperture rather thandripping from its edge. Correspondingly, a flange or lip extendinginwardly along the bottom edge of the aperture may also help directmoisture away from the edges of the aperture.

In another embodiment, the aperture in the protective hood is suitablylarge to provide sufficient ventilation for the one or more outletscovered by the protective hood. This allows the pedestal to dry afterheavy precipitation, without trapping moisture in any part of theprotective hood.

In another embodiment, the pedestal itself may include a ventilationgrill which prevents moisture from entering the pedestal but at the sametime allows air to circulate within the pedestal cabinet. Theventilation grill may be provided on two or more sides of the pedestalin order to promote airflow through the pedestal cabinet in ordercontrol moisture.

In another embodiment, each pedestal may be mounted to a pedestal basethat is configured to provide sufficient strength to support thepedestal structure including all mounted hardware, but which pedestalbase also includes one or more built in stress relief features such thatthe pedestal will break away from the base if the pedestal isaccidentally struck, for example by a motor vehicle or trailer that isbacking up in a driveway, parking lot, or RV camp site at which thepower pedestal is installed. In this embodiment, the protective hoodsmay also be configured to be deformable, such that the protective hoodscan at least partially absorb the impact of the motor vehicle ortrailer, and can be readily replaced with another if damaged.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of thevarious improvements in more detail, it is to be understood that thepresent system and method is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Thepresent system and method are capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the drawings.

Shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an angled hood 100 inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, hood 100 includesan angled top surface 102, an angled bottom surface 104, and two sidepanels 106 adjoined to the top surface 102 and abutting bottom surface104 along its edges. Suitable weather sealing may be provided along thelength of the bottom surface 104 to prevent moisture from penetratingthrough any gaps. Alternatively, with hood 100 formed from a suitablemetal, the side panel 106 may be welded to the bottom surface to form acomplete, weatherproof seal. Bottom surface 104 includes an aperture 108suitably shaped and sized to receive an electrical power cord and plugfrom an electrical appliance or electrical device. Bottom surface 104 isshown having fastener holes 112 adjacent to aperture 108.

In an embodiment, the formed between angled top surface 102 and eachbottom surface 104 (as further discussed below with reference to FIGS.3C and 4C) is preferably between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees, witheach side panel 106 appropriately proportioned to abut bottom surface104 along its edges.

For angle A, it has been found that a range of angles between about 45degrees and about 50 degrees minimizes the collection of rain or snow onthe top surface, allowing virtually all moisture on the angled topsurface 102 to be directed away from the protected electrical outlet.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, angled top surface 102is angled at about 45 degrees from horizontal, and extends horizontallyuntil it is halfway down the hood 100. In this example, the angledbottom surface 104 is also angled at about 45 degrees from horizontal inthe opposite direction, such that the angled top surface 102 and angledbottom surface 104 form a right angle with respect to each other suchthat angle A is 90 degrees. Side panel 106 therefore forms a right angletriangle.

Still referring to FIG. 1, mounting holes 110 may be used to securelymount the hood 100 onto a vertical surface, such as a wall, or thesurface of a panel. Suitable weather sealing may be provided betweenhood 100 and the wall or panel surface, such that moisture is preventedfrom entering any gaps at the top or the sides of hood 100. For example,a rubber gasket, foam or silicone caulking may be used to form aweatherproof seal along the top of the hood 100.

In another embodiment, aperture 108 in the bottom surface 104 issuitably shaped and sized to receive various devices. As the bottomsurface 104 is angled (in this example at 45 degrees from horizontal),the aperture 108 must accommodate various devices inserted at an anglerelative to the bottom surface 104.

In another embodiment, aperture 108 in the bottom surface 104 issuitably shaped and sized to receive various cutout plates, as detailedfurther below with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5E.

In another embodiment, in order to provide adequate drainage, hood 100may include suitably-sized drainage holes in each bottom surface 104,and a non-gasketed bottom lip to allow moisture to drain below the hood100.

Now referring to FIG. 2, shown is a perspective view of an angled hood100 and extended base 200 in accordance with another illustrativeembodiment. In this case, extended base 200 provides a greater surfacearea for mounting hood 100 against a vertical surface. Extended base 200further provides additional means by which to weather seal all sides ofhood 100 against the vertical mounting surface. It will be appreciatedthat extended base 200 may be any suitable shape and width to performthe described function, and may include additional features to simplifymounting the hood 100 onto a vertical mounting surface.

Now referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, shown are schematic side and frontviews, respectively, of an angled hood 100 in accordance with anembodiment. As shown in the front view in FIG. 3B, aperture 108 issuitably shaped and sized to receive one or more electrical cords andplugs to access one or more electrical outlets protected by the hood100. The side view in FIG. 3A shows that the side panels 106 form atriangle with a sharper angle formed between its top and bottom edges(for example, about 54 degrees), rather than 90 degrees as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 3C shows a schematic plan view of a flat sheet which may be foldedinto the angled hood of FIGS. 3A and 3B by folding along the dotted foldlines. With the side panels 106 shown as wings attached to the topsurface 102, the top of the hood 100 provides complete protectionagainst moisture along the fold line between the top surface 102 and theside panels 106. In this example, the bottom surface 104 isapproximately the same size as the top surface 102, and abuts the sidepanels 106 along their free edges. As noted above, this edge can beweather-sealed with a suitable weather-sealing material, oralternatively this edge may be welded, or otherwise joined to provide aseal. However, in another embodiment, this edge may also provide aslight gap (e.g., 0.02 inch) in order to allow venting into or out ofthe hood 100. As discussed earlier, the angle A formed between angledtop surface 102 and each bottom surface 104 is preferably between about45 degrees and 90 degrees, with each side panel 106 appropriatelyproportioned to abut bottom surface 104 along its edges. In thisexample, angle A is shown to be 63 degrees.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, shown are schematic plan views of anangled hood in accordance with another embodiment. While this embodimentis similar to the one shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the aperture 108 issignificantly different to accommodate another type of electricaloutlet, and the corresponding electrical cords and plugs. As will beappreciated, virtually any type of electrical outlet may be accommodatedby a suitably shaped and sized aperture 108.

FIG. 4C shows a schematic plan view of a flat sheet which may be foldedinto the angled hood of FIGS. 4A and 4B by folding along the dotted foldlines. Once again, the angle A formed between angled top surface 102 andeach bottom surface 104 once hood 100 is folded is shown to be 63degrees (by way of example).

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a schematic plan view of an angled hood inaccordance with another embodiment, in which the mounting holes andslots are repositioned to be mountable to different mounting holesprovided on a wall or on a power pedestal.

Advantageously, the angled hood 100 of the present invention may bereadily fitted over existing outdoor electrical outlets, and may besized to be compatible with any size of electrical box. This includesconventional outdoor household electrical outlets with flush wall-mountreceptacle boxes, or electrical outlets with cast outlet boxes providedon outdoor pedestals or charging stations for electrical vehicles, forexample. The hood 100 may be mounted by simply removing the existingdevice outlet, screw-mounting an angle adapter, and reinstalling theelectrical outlet into position.

In an illustrative embodiment, the angled hood 100 may be made frommachine-formed galvanized steel. Once formed into shape, the angled hood100 may be painted using a suitable powder coat or paint to protect thesurface from rusting and damage. Alternatively, rather than using steel,an insulative formable or moldable material may also be used, such asfibreglass, or injection-molded plastic.

FIGS. 6A-6H, 7A-7G, 8A-81, 9A-91, and 10A-10I show different sizes andconfigurations of cutout back plates in accordance with variousembodiments. As will be appreciated, the cutout plates may be configuredto be suitable for virtually any shape, size or configuration of devicesor power cords that may be accepted.

Now referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C, shown are illustrative horizontal,vertical, and combined horizontal and vertical device plates configuredto be mounted to various cutout back plates to receive standardelectrical outlet boxes.

FIGS. 12A-12E show various embodiments of a device back plate having adifferent number of outlets.

Now referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, shown are horizontal and verticalback plates 600A and 600B, respectively, for supporting multiple angledhoods in accordance with illustrative embodiments. As shown, back plates1300A, 1300B may support multiple angled hoods 100 arranged horizontallyor vertically, allowing multiple receptacle connection points forapplications requiring a large number of receptacles.

FIGS. 14A to 14C show an illustrative power pedestal 1400A in accordancewith an embodiment. Preferably, the power pedestal 1400A complies withindustry standards such as an EEMAC (Electrical and ElectronicManufacturing Association of Canada)/NEMA (National ElectricalManufactures Association) Type 3R, and CSA (Canadian StandardsAssociation), or similar electrical standards which may apply in otherjurisdictions.

As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, an illustrative power pedestal 1400Aincludes a generally vertically elongate body 1410, mounted to a base bymeans of a plurality of fasteners 1412. The elongate body 1410 may bemade from a durable, long-lasting corrosion-resistant material, such asgalvanized metal construction, to prevent rusting and assure a longlasting quality finish. Various powder coat and paint colors may be usedto prepare the elongate body 1410 for outdoor applications.

In a preferred embodiment, the power pedestal has a generally smoothsurface, with no visible mounting bolts or a flanged base which may trapmoisture and may be prone to rust. One or more of the front, back, orside panels of the elongate body 1410 may be removable to provide accessto the panel.

As shown, a pedestal lid 1420 extends over all sides of the elongatebody 1410. The lid 1420 is maintained in place by a fastener 1422, andmay be formed from a soft material with smooth edges to prevent cutsfrom scraping against edges or corners. The top surface of the lid 1420may also be suitably sloped by raising the center and to help drainmoisture away.

In another embodiment, one or more receptacles 1430 are provided on atleast one side of the elongate body 1410, for example in a standard NEMA5-15R configuration. However, it will be appreciated that various typesof receptacles may be made available, including GFCI type receptacles toprevent shocks if the receptacles are inadvertently exposed to moisture.Furthermore, a suitable light source and photo-cell to turn on the lightsource at dusk may be provided near the receptacles to show theirlocation and make insertion of power cords easier.

Each receptacle 1430 may be covered by a suitable self-closing covers,made of thermoplastic for example. One or more removable front accesscovers may be used to cover an opening on one of the sides of the powerpedestal 1400A.

Shown in FIG. 14B is an illustrative example of an interchangeablepedestal base 1400B, having a frame 1440 with an opening, and aplurality of apertures 1442 for fastening the pedestal base 1400B,1400C. In an embodiment, pedestal base 1400B may also have verticallyextending flanges on each side, to which the vertically elongate body1410 may be attached by means of a plurality of fasteners 1412, such as⅜Δ mounting fasteners, for example.

In an embodiment, the pedestal base 1400B, 1400C may be constructed fromgalvanized steel, and mounted to the elongate body 1410 by suitablegalvanized screws. Preferably, the elongate body 1410 is mounted in thebase 1400B, 1400C such that the elongate body 1410 is slightly (e.g., ¼inch) the ground or mounting platform. This slight gap between theelongate body 1410 and the mounting surface significantly improvesventilation to the cabinet, and prevents the elongate body 1410 fromcollecting moisture at its base around the bottom of the power pedestal.

Still referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, in an embodiment, the interchangeablepedestal base and/or the pedestal mounting hardware includes at leastone stress relief point, such that the power pedestal can break awayfrom the interchangeable pedestal base if the power pedestal isaccidentally struck, for example by a motor vehicle or trailer that isbacking up in a driveway, parking lot, or RV camp site at which thepower pedestal is installed.

In an embodiment, the stress relief feature may be one or more weakenedsections of the interchangeable pedestal base designed to allow thepower pedestal to break away from the base with minimal damage to thepower pedestal. For example, a weakened section may be formed byutilizing a material with a lower threshold for deformation, such as athinner sheet metal, or a plastic material. Alternatively, a partialcutout may be formed into a section of the pedestal base to form adesigned point of failure.

This breakaway feature sacrifices a relatively low cost part, such asthe interchangeable pedestal base or the mounting hardware, to minimizedamage on the power pedestal with its more costly parts and components.

In a similar manner, protective angled hoods mounted on the powerpedestal may also be configured to be deformable, such that theprotective hoods can at least partially absorb the impact of the motorvehicle or trailer, and be readily replaced with a replacement hood ifdamaged. On the sides of the power pedestal that do not have protectiveangled hoods mounted, a sacrificial plate or resilient bumper guard maybe provided to protect the power pedestal from damage.

In another embodiment, the power pedestal has a profile whereby its baseis not extended, but rather the same size as the body all the way to thebase. The lack of any extending flanges also helps avoid collection ofmoisture near the base to prevent corrosion.

The power pedestal is also suitably sized such that one or morereceptacles may be provided at a suitable height for access. The one ormore receptacles may be covered by a suitable receptacle cover toprotect the receptacle from moisture. Each receptacle may be separatelycovered.

Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15D, shown is another illustrative powerpedestal 200A which provides a significantly shortened version ofelongate body 1510, mounted to a base by means of a plurality offasteners 1512. Power pedestal 1500A may be adapted to be EEMAC/NEMAType 3R compliant for outdoor use.

As shown in FIG. 15D, an optional hinged hood may be mounted over theoutlet provided on the power pedestal.

FIGS. 15B and 15C show a base 1500B having an opening for feeds, and aplurality of apertures for fastening the base 1500B to a surface. Aground screw may be provided to provide a point of contact for one ormore ground wires which may have a direct electrical connection to earthor another ground.

FIG. 15D shows an alternative embodiment in which an optional hingedhood 200D is provided to replace the standard hood 120 of FIG. 2A and toprovide additional protection from precipitation, and to provide coverwhile the receptacle is in use. The hinged hood may be adapted to meetspecified standards, such as CEC (Canadian Electric Code) Rule #26-702,for example.

Now referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, shown is another illustrativeembodiment of power pedestals having an electrical outlet, over which aprotective hood may be mounted, such as the protective angled hood ofFIG. 1. Each power pedestal 1600A, 1600B includes a circuit breaker 1610which may provide additional protection from circuit overloads toimprove safety of the power pedestals 1600A, 1600B. By way of example,the circuit breakers may be 10 kAIC (kilo Amp Interrupting Capacity)molded-case-type breakers, and may be positioned just under theremovable hoods to provide for easy local resetting capability, withouthaving to open an entire panel. However, if access to the cabinet isnecessary, one or more of the front, back, or side panels of thepedestals 1600A, 1600B may be removed.

Now referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, shown is another illustrativeembodiment of a power pedestal 1700A and a corresponding base 1700Bhaving a profile suitable for mounting the body of the power pedestal1700A. In this embodiment, the power pedestal 400A is shaped and sizedto be mounted on top of a tubular rail that may be used, for example, ina parking lot. By way of example, these tubular rails may be 1M seriesHSS 5″×5″ rails.

In this embodiment, the base 1700B may have a feed-through aperturewhich allows electrical wires to be fed through the tubular rail andthrough the base 1700B of the power pedestal 1700A.

Now referring to FIGS. 18A to 18C, and FIGS. 19A and 19B, shown arevarious configurations for different types of wire-binding plates,including 1-phase, 3-wire styles shown in FIGS. 18A and 5B, and 3-phase,4-wire styles shown in FIG. 18C and FIG. 19A. FIG. 19B shows conductorsattached with excess loops at the point of termination to allow for somesettling. Thus, different wire-binding plate configurations mayaccommodate different mounting in different sizes of power pedestals,depending on requirements.

Now referring to FIGS. 20A to 20C, shown is another illustrativeembodiment of a power pedestal 2000A. As shown in FIG. 20B, an optionaldouble-sided hood 2000B may be installed which has hinged panels 2010,2012 on either side providing access to different types of receptacles.

As shown in FIG. 20A, optional molded-case circuit breakers (MCCB) ratedat 10kAIC may be fed through 20 gauge copper or aluminum ring terminalsattached to a ground bar to allow code compliance for feeder circuitsover 60A.

As will be understood, the above illustrative embodiments may beimplemented in various configurations. FIGS. 21A-21C, 22A-22C,23A-23C,24A-24C, 25A-25D, 26A-26D, and 27A-27C illustrate pedestaldesigns in accordance with various further embodiments.

FIG. 21A shows a basic configuration in which the protective angled hood100 is mounted to an electrical box 2100.

FIGS. 22A-22C show another configuration in which the protective angledhood 100 is mounted to an electrical box 2200.

FIGS. 22A to 22C show an alternative configuration in which twoprotective angled hoods 100 are mounted to the same side of a pedestal2300.

FIGS. 24A-24C shown another configuration in which protective angledhoods 100 are mounted on opposite sides of an electrical box 2400.

FIGS. 25A-25D show another configuration in which a protective angledhood 100 is mounted over an outlet provided near the top of a powerpedestal 2500. In this configuration, a pedestal lid is provided with anoverhang, which partially covers the top edge of the angled hood. Asillustrated in FIGS. 25A-25D, pedestal 2500 is has an interchangeablepedestal base 2510 fastened to pedestal 2500 with fasteners 2520.

FIGS. 26A-26D illustrate a further configuration in which an angled hood100 is mounted to a power pedestal 2600 having an interchangeablepedestal base 2510 fastened to pedestal 2600 with fasteners 2520. FIG.26D is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating interchangeable pedestalbase 2510 having anchor bolt holes 2530 to facilitate mounting ofpedestal 2600 over anchor bolts projecting from a concrete foundation(not shown).

FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate a yet further configuration in which an angledhood 100 is mounted to a power pedestal 2700 having an interchangeablepedestal base 2510 fastened to pedestal 2600 with fasteners 2520.

Thus, in an aspect, there is provided a protective device for an outdoorelectrical outlet, comprising at least one angled top surface, at leasttwo side panels adjoining the top surface, and an angled bottom surfacehaving an aperture.

In an embodiment, the angled top surface is angled downwardly to extendto a sufficient horizontal distance from the wall, such that the angledtop surface substantially covers and protects the electrical outlet fromthe top.

In another embodiment, the angled top surface joins the angled bottomsurface at an apex, and wherein an angle A formed between the angled topsurface and the angled bottom surface is between about 45 degrees and 90degrees.

In another embodiment, the aperture on the angled bottom surface issuitably sized and shaped to receive a power cord from an electricaldevice.

In another embodiment, the two side panels adjoining the top surface arefurther adjoined to edges of the angled bottom surface.

In another embodiment, the protective device is adapted to be installedover electrical outlets or receptacles provided on a power pedestal.

In another embodiment, the protective device is adapted to be deformableand replaceable upon receiving any damage to the protective device.

In another embodiment, the protective device is formed from sheet metalthat is folded to form each section of the protective device.

In another embodiment, the protective device is formed from aninsulative formable or moldable material, such as fibreglass orinjection-molded plastic.

In another embodiment, the bottom end of the protective device isadapted to provide one or more moisture drainage openings to allowmoisture to drain from the protective device.

In another aspect, there is provided a power pedestal adapted to receivea protective device for each electrical outlet provided on the powerpedestal, with the protective device comprising at least one angled topsurface, at least two side panels adjoining the top surface, and anangled bottom surface having an aperture.

In an embodiment, the power pedestal is further adapted to mount aplurality of protective devices over a plurality of electrical outletsarranged vertically or horizontally.

In another embodiment, the power pedestal is further adapted to receivea cutout back plate for mounting one or more different types of standardelectrical boxes.

In another embodiment, the power pedestal further comprises aninterchangeable pedestal base adapted to mount the power pedestal, andwherein the power pedestal base includes at least one built-in stressrelief feature adapted to allow the power pedestal to break away fromthe pedestal base if an external mechanical stress on the pedestal baseexceeds a predetermined breaking point.

In another embodiment, the at least one built-in stress relief featurecomprises a material with a lower threshold for deformation, or apartial cutout of a section of the interchangeable pedestal base forminga designed point of failure.

In another embodiment, the interchangeable pedestal base is adapted tomount the power pedestal to a base with at least a minimum clearance gapsuch that the power pedestal is ventilated from below.

In another embodiment, the power pedestal further comprises one or moreadditional ventilation grills on one or more sides of the power pedestalcabinet.

In another embodiment, the power pedestal further comprises a circuitbreaker to interrupt electrical current to each outlet if a ground faultis detected.

In another embodiment, the angled top surface is angled downwardly toextend to a sufficient horizontal distance from the wall, such that theangled top surface substantially covers and protects the electricaloutlet from the top.

In another embodiment, the angled top surface joins the angled bottomsurface at an apex, and wherein an angle A formed between the angled topsurface and the angled bottom surface is between about 45 degrees and 90degrees.

It will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative andare not meant to be limiting. Therefore, the following claims should begiven their broadest interpretation consistent with the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A power pedestal comprising an elongate bodyhaving one or more electrical outlets, wherein: (a) the power pedestalis adapted for mounting to a mounting surface using a pedestal base; and(b) the pedestal base incorporates at least one stress relief featureadapted to allow the power pedestal to break away from the pedestal basein response to an external force acting on the power pedestal so as toinduce stresses in the pedestal base exceeding a predetermined breakingpoint.
 2. The power pedestal of claim 1 wherein the at least one stressrelief feature comprises a weakened section incorporated into thepedestal base.
 3. The power pedestal of claim 2 wherein the weakenedsection of the pedestal base comprises a material having a lowerthreshold for deformation than other portions of the pedestal base. 4.The power pedestal of claim 2 wherein the weakened section of thepedestal base comprises a partial cutout of a section of the pedestalbase.
 5. The power pedestal of claim 14 claim 1 wherein the pedestalbase is adapted to mount the power pedestal to a mounting surface with aclearance gap between the bottom of the power pedestal and the mountingsurface, such that the interior of the power pedestal is ventilated frombelow.
 6. The power pedestal of claim 5, further comprising one or moreadditional ventilation grills on one or more sides of the power pedestalcabinet.
 7. The power pedestal of claim 1 wherein the power pedestal isadapted to receive a protective device for at least one of the one ormore electrical outlets, wherein the protective device comprises: (a) atleast one angled top surface; (b) at least two side panels adjoining theangled top surface; and (c) an angled bottom surface having an aperture.8. The power pedestal of claim 7 wherein the angled top surface isangled downwardly to extend to a sufficient horizontal distance from thewall, such that the angled top surface substantially covers and protectsthe electrical outlet from the top.
 9. The power pedestal of claim 8wherein the angled top surface joins the angled bottom surface at anapex, and wherein an angle formed between the angled top surface and theangled bottom surface is between about 45 degrees and 90 degrees.